work something out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work something out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to resolving a problem or reaching an agreement through discussion or negotiation. Example: "After several meetings, we were finally able to work something out regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We'll work something out".

Independent

"We can work something out".

The New Yorker

I'm sure we could work something out".

The New Yorker

I'm sure we can work something out".

The New Yorker

Hopefully, I can work something out".

The New York Times

Maybe we can work something out".

The New York Times

"We can work something out," came the reply.

The Economist

Your insurance won't cover it, but we'll work something out".

The New Yorker

I'm trying.' And then they work something out".

The New Yorker

We're in discussions and hopeful we'll work something out".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Glen wants to work something out.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work something out" when you want to convey a sense of effort and collaboration in resolving a situation. It implies active participation from multiple parties to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "work something out" when there's no active effort to resolve an issue. It's not appropriate when something resolves itself without intervention. Prefer phrases like 'it resolved itself' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work something out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the resolution of a problem, arrangement, or agreement through effort and collaboration. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe negotiation, compromise, or problem-solving in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work something out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of resolving issues, reaching agreements, or creating plans through collaborative effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While adaptable to different formality levels, it's essential to ensure its use aligns with active problem-solving scenarios. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "resolve the issue" or "reach an agreement", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve a problem

Focuses on the act of finding a solution to a specific issue.

find a solution

Highlights the discovery of a method to overcome an obstacle.

reach an agreement

Highlights the collaborative aspect of coming to a mutual understanding.

sort things out

Implies a process of organizing or clarifying a confused or complex situation.

negotiate a compromise

Emphasizes the bargaining process involved in reaching a mutually acceptable outcome.

figure things out

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of understanding and solving a problem.

settle the matter

Indicates the conclusion of a dispute or unresolved issue.

come to terms

Suggests accepting a difficult situation or reaching a compromise.

iron out the details

Specifically refers to resolving minor discrepancies or finalizing arrangements.

clear up misunderstandings

Focuses on resolving confusion and restoring clear communication.

FAQs

How can I use "work something out" in a sentence?

You can use "work something out" to indicate resolving a problem or reaching an agreement. For example: "We need to "work something out" regarding the budget" or "Hopefully, we can "work something out" before the deadline".

What's a good alternative to "work something out"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "resolve the issue", "reach an agreement", or "sort things out" instead of ""work something out"".

Is it better to say "work something out" or "figure something out"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""work something out"" implies a collaborative effort to solve a problem, while "figure something out" suggests individual problem-solving. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.

Which is more formal, "work something out" or "resolve the matter"?

"Resolve the matter" is generally more formal than ""work something out"". Use "resolve the matter" in professional or official contexts, while ""work something out"" is suitable for everyday conversation.